We know woven is hot this spring, and so is the use of native materials like straw and raffia on shoes and bags. From Chanel’s straw-like, barn-inspired brushed tweed bags, to Bottega Veneta’s raffia made wedge sandals, it’s plain to see woven native accessories are one of the must-buy items of the season.

Chanel Coco Country Handbag (s2010)

Bottega Veneta Paille Raffia Wedge (s2010)

This being said, why not go with the flow and purchase a woven piece for yourself, even if you might not exactly be a fan of such native made pieces?

A good one to try for starters is the Mar Y Sol Lola Sequin Clutch:

Mar Y Sol Lola Sequin Clutch, US$85

It is small enough so you won’t feel overwhelmed with the bag’s native feel, and it is beaded with sequins to brighten up the plain straw appearance of the clutch and give it a more glamorous twist. In fact, this clutch is just the perfect item to bring if you’re off to a beach party or a beach date.

Priced at an accessible US$85, this Lola Sequin Clutch from Mar Y Sol is quite an affordable designer piece to buy.

You may purchase the  Mar Y Sol Lola Sequin Clutch at  Shopbop.com

This site would not be complete without a write-up on the most iconic woven bag of all time – The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag.

The Intrecciato line is what put Bottega Veneta on the map of icons alongside Chanel’s 2.55 Flap Bag and many other iconic brands that have made their mark in the history of fashion. It is symbolic to the brand and vise versa. A few of the brand’s iconic bags are the following:

The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Campana

The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Cabat

The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Knot

Intrecciato is actually an Italian word for weave.

To give you a brief history, this weaving technique was born in the 1960’s out of a need for the brand to create leather accessories in a region that was specialized only in the production of clothing, and equipped only with sewing machines designed specifically for cloth.

In order to work with the existing machines, Bottega Veneta had to innovate. The artisans of Bottega Veneta used very fine leather strips that could be sewn under the needle of these machines. However, because the material was very thin, it had to be woven together to make it strong and durable enough to be made into accessories. This is how the Intrecciato was born.

If you find the price of a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag too high, it is not without reason.  Each bag is hand crafted by highly skilled artisans who take approximately two (2) days to work on one (1) bag!

These artisans work diligently to create the weaving pattern that we very much love, making sure that no seams or stitches are seen. The finished product is seamless, a one-piece continuous work of art (a great example is the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Cabat). This is a very important defining element of a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag.

The latest variant of the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag to hit the shelves this fall ’09 season is the Tornabouni Intrecciato and it comes in two covet-able shapes as seen below:

Bottega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Tornabouni Boston Bag

The Botega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Tornabouni Top Handle

If you can afford a Bottega Veneta bag (without going hungry, of course) and would like to purchase one, then do so. Because nothing compares to having your own piece of iconic original in the closet.

If you plan to shop ahead for Spring/Summer 2010 looks in order to be the first to welcome the season in style, do include the woven straw bag in your list.

This coming season, two of the most well-known and iconic fashion houses will be releasing their own versions of this rustic bag, adding glamour appeal to an otherwise ordinary and uninteresting accessory:

Chanel will be offering the Coco Country Handbag, a simple wicker-type bag accentuated with braided wicker strands at the bottom, topped with braided leather handles surrounded by a golden chain, and completed with the usual signature CC logo in the form of a bag charm. The bag obviously exudes elegance and class in a town and country manner.  

The Coco Country Handbag for SS2010

The house of Bottega Veneta on the other hand, will also be releasing the Paille Intrecciato Nuvolato Caiman Bag, which is actually made of straw woven the Intrecciato way. Trimmed with leather handles that contain grommets, the look of the bag is rustic, but also fresh, modern, and edgy.  

The Bottega Paille Intrecciato Nuvolato Caiman Bag for SS2010

Feel free to shop the same look at more affordable prices by grabbing one of the bags from Elaine Turner at Bagsbuy.com. You can choose from 2 different styles that offer the same appeal.

One is the Elaine Turner Paula Basketweave. A simple flap style bag with turn-lock opening and a stylish bamboo handle. The bag is also accentuated with embossed croc leather trim, which ultimately adds flair to a rather traditional shape and style. The Elaine Turner Paula Basketweave also comes in two color combinations: Coral/Natural Basketweave and Raspberry/Natural Basketweave.

To achieve the Coco Country look for a lot less, the Elaine Turner Paula Basketweave should be your bag of choice.  

Another recommendation is the Elaine Turner Tammy Basketweave. The bag features a basketweave design in bi-color, accentuated with braided metallic bronze leather handles and trimming for a more modern feel. There is a magnetic snap closure for easy access, and interior accessory and zip pockets so you can keep your stuff organized. 

The Elaine Turner Tammy Basketweave (Front View)

Side view showing the interior of the Elaine Turner Tammy Basketweave

The Elaine Turner Tammy Basketweave is definitely a great accessory to complement your Spring/Summer 2010 look. This is also your alternative to the Bottega Paille Intrecciato Nuvolato Caiman bag. 

A variant of the Elaine Turner Tammy Basketweave, is the Elaine Turner Tammy Grasscloth. This variant uses woven grass cloth instead of basket weave. Trimmed with black bark leather, the Elaine Turner Tammy Grasscloth is simply there to give you more choices.

The Elaine Turner Tammy Grasscloth

You can purchase any of the three bags at Bagsbuy.com. Take advantage of the free shipping service to anywhere in the US.

Plus, Bagsbuy.com offers a 100% price guarantee. If you find a product for a lower price on another website, Bagsbuy.com will refund you 100% of the difference between the lower price and Bagsbuy.com‘s price. They will even refund the difference if they lower the price at Bagsbuy.com.

Visit and purchase the bag from Bagsbuy.com now and look great this coming Spring!